Qualities you need for a career change

Career reorientation is much more common these days than it was 30 years ago. On average, only 30 percent of employees in Europe are fully satisfied with their job; the rest are either no longer fully satisfied or even very dissatisfied. However, only around 36 percent of those who are dissatisfied change their job.

In this week's blog post, we look at which traits are more likely to encourage a career change and what the reasons are for a change of direction in the first place.

The fact is that today there are many more job profiles and options when it comes to choosing a career. A straight career in which you do the same job from the start of your career until you retire is becoming increasingly rare. In some cases, you are even under pressure to develop yourself further and take new paths. However, the large selection does not always make it easier. A radical new start in particular can be frightening, as you suddenly find yourself back at square one.  

Factors influencing a career change

Two researchers at Monash University in Australia wanted to find out which factors encourage a career change. They analyzed data from people who dared to make a career change and found striking commonalities. Extraverts who are gregarious, talkative and energetic and also outgoing individuals who are curious and creative were more likely to make a career change. Other factors that favored a job change were a higher level of education, an insecure job, and young age with still few years of work. It was also noticeable that men were more likely to be ready for a change. Another study reported that risk-taking also played a large role in this decision, and risk-takers were more likely to opt for a job change. Interestingly, however, job satisfaction and current income had almost no influence on the decision.

After a career change, however, most reported greater job satisfaction, a more secure job, and even fewer hours worked per week. A career change can therefore make you happy. It allows people to take control of their own lives and actively shape their future instead of remaining unhappy in their current job.

Reasons for a career change

There are numerous reasons for a career change. Most people cite a lousy boss, unfair treatment or boredom as triggers for a job change. However, a career change should be well thought out and planned. The question of why one wants a change in the first place is central and should be reflected upon.

Good reasons, for example, concern health. There are definitely professions in which you are under perma-stress and which make you downright "sick". A bad working atmosphere or bullying at the workplace are also things that employees don't have to put up with in the long run.

Boredom in the form of no challenge can also be a good reason for a change. If you can no longer learn or achieve anything and find yourself at a standstill, so to speak, it is often time to think about a job change.

Another good reason for a career change is job insecurity. Nowadays, many industries are changing rapidly and this can also make jobs insecure. But if you have to constantly fear for your professional existence, a career change can be a good option.

On the other hand, there are of course also reasons that do not necessarily have to result in a reorientation. Criticism from a colleague or supervisor, for example, can unsettle you, but it can also inspire you to improve. As long as the criticism is not destructive or a permanent condition, you should not directly think about a complete career change. The same applies to the frequently mentioned annoying boss. It's normal to have a bad day sometimes and not feel good at work. But that's why you shouldn't rush into a career change.

In general, a career change should be well prepared and approached in a targeted manner. Allow yourself enough time to do this. Think carefully about your reasons for a career change and also what goal you want to achieve with it. At this point, we would also like to refer you to our blog post "Justify job change correctly". Sufficient research about the new occupational field is, of course, part of the process. Generally speaking, making contacts can make it easier for you to enter a new line of work. Therefore, use business networks such as LinkedIn or Xing and keep your profile up to date.

Are you already looking for a new challenge or are you considering a job change, please feel free to contact us here Send your documents on your own initiative. We will include you in our pool of experts and contact you if we have suitable offers.